Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Bean Browned Butter Glaze

Vanilla Cake:

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream butter and sugar:

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs and vanilla:

   • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until well combined.

5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk:

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

6. Bake the cake:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

7. Cool the cake:

   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Vanilla Bean Browned Butter Glaze:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped out
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Brown the butter:

   • In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the scraped vanilla bean seeds and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

2. Make the glaze:

   • In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, browned butter (including the vanilla bean seeds), milk or cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined, adjusting the consistency with more milk or cream if necessary.

3. Glaze the cake:

   • Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the vanilla bean browned butter glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.

4. Serve:

   • Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving the Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Bean Browned Butter Glaze.

Enjoy this deliciously moist Vanilla Cake with its rich and flavorful Vanilla Bean Browned Butter Glaze!